Firefighters help Jerry's kids with boot campaign

Three-year-old Landon Long puts some money into the boot of Goldsboro firefighter David Grice as his mom, Tammy Watson, looks on during the annual Fill the Boot campaign.

More than 65 local firefighters took time out this weekend to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The annual Fill the Boot campaign began Friday and runs through 6 p.m. today. Members of the Goldsboro Fire Department and El Roy Volunteer Fire Department stood outside Walmart on Spence Avenue holding their boots for donations.

The money goes toward sending children with muscular dystrophy to camp and assisting in medical expenses.

Goldsboro Fire Captain Rob Loreman, who's been a part of the event for the past seven years, said this year's goal is to raise $8,000, about $1,000 more than last year's total. And as of Saturday morning, they had already raised about $800 after only three-hours of collecting donations Friday, which was cut short because of rain.

"Every penny counts and every penny helps," Loreman said.

David Grice, fire department engineer, has been participating in Fill the Boot for the past three years. Grice said he's related to someone with muscular dystrophy and said the event is a good way to help.

"It gives someone a chance to give back," he said. "You can't go and individually help everyone with muscular dystrophy, but you can come and give and help all of them at one time."

Grice said "about everyone" who's walked by has donated to the cause.

Lorane Corson, of Seven Springs, dropped a couple dollars in a boot on her way out of Walmart Saturday afternoon. She said she likes to give every year.

"It goes towards a good cause," she said. "And the firemen work hard and are good at what they do."

Anita Saunders, of Goldsboro, gave a handful of change for her son to drop in a boot in addition to some money she donated as well.

"It's good for him to learn young that it's important to help people when you can," she said. "Even if it's something small like change, if you can give it, then give it."